Poll shows support for gay marriage in ACT

A poll conducted by independent firm Lonergan Research in Canberra revealed that two-thirds of respondents support same sex marriage.

The poll, commissioned by the ACT Greens, asked 1208 voters about their views on a number of social issues including gay marriage, abortion and euthanasia. Of those polled, 66 percent responded that same sex couples should have full marriage equality. The poll also reported that women supported gay marriage in higher numbers than men.

Lonergan Research managing director Chris Lonergan said the poll “shows that the population of Canberra is actually quite progressive by and large in terms of what they actually believe, and essentially what they want from their political leaders”.

“I think these issues will affect some people’s votes. I think they’ll have a small impact on a lot of people’s votes. My personal view is they would not actually be issues that would define the election, but they might be some issues which would push someone over the line if they’re unsure who they would vote for,” Lonergan said.

The ACT has been a leader in regards to gay marriage legislation – same-sex couples in the ACT have been able to register their civil partnerships since 2008. Last August, the Legislative Assembly passed a bill to allow legally binding ceremonies for same-sex couples. There have also been assertions that during the spring sittings of the Legislative Assembly, the ACT Government will introduce a same-sex marriage bill.

Greens Senate candidate for ACT Simon Sheikh said that the poll showed how much Liberal candidate Zed Seselja was “out of touch” with the community. Sheikh said that “Seselja is obviously significantly more conservative than the Canberra population. At the end of the day, he is no moderate Liberal. If elected, he would be the most conservative senator in the Parliament”.